Examples
Coumarins
Low-molecular-weight heparins
(LMWH)
| dalteparin |
Fragmin |
| enoxaparin |
Lovenox |
| tinzaparin |
Innohep |
Direct thrombin inhibitor (only used in the hospital)
Unfractionated heparins (UH)
How It Works
Anticoagulant medicines (also known as
blood thinners) help prevent the formation of blood clots by increasing the
time it takes a blood clot to form. This prevents a clot that has already
formed from getting larger and reduces the chances that pieces of a clot will
break off and cause a
heart attack or
stroke.
Why It Is Used
Anticoagulants are used after heart valve replacement surgery. After surgery, you have a higher risk for dangerous blood clots.
- If you
have a mechanical valve (made with metal or plastic), you will take
anticoagulants for the rest of your life.
- If you have a biological valve (made with tissue), you will take anticoagulants for a few months after surgery.
After heart valve replacement surgery, both warfarin and one of several types of anticoagulant medicines—a
low-molecular-weight heparin, an unfractionated heparin, or another antithrombotic
medicine—are started. Coumadin is given in pill form while the other
medicines are given as a shot. The injected medicines act
immediately, while Coumadin takes several days to become effective. When
warfarin begins to work, the other medicines are stopped.
How Well It Works
Anticoagulants lower the risk of dangerous blood clots after valve replacement surgery.1
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Bleeding: Call 911 or other emergency services right away if:
- You cough up blood.
- You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
- You pass maroon or very bloody stools.
- You have a sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches. (It may be a sign of bleeding in the brain.)
Call your doctor right away if you have unusual bleeding:
- You have new bruises or blood spots under your skin.
- You have a nosebleed that doesn't stop quickly.
- Your gums bleed when you brush your teeth.
- You have blood in your urine.
- Your stools are black and look like tar or have streaks of blood.
- You have heavy period bleeding or vaginal bleeding when you are not having your period.
If you are injured, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Realize that it
will take longer than you are used to for the bleeding to stop. If you can't get the bleeding to stop, call your doctor.
Allergic reaction: Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
Heparin: Side effects often happen at injection sites. These side effects include:
- Pain.
- Irritation.
- Bruising.
Warfarin: Other side effects include:
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
When you take anticoagulants, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems.
Warfarin. If you take warfarin, you need to:
- Get regular blood tests.
- Prevent falls and injuries.
- Eat a steady diet, and pay attention to foods that contain vitamin K.
- Tell your doctors about all other medicines and vitamins that you take.
For more information, see:
Warfarin: Taking Your Medicine Safely.
Know
what to do if you miss a dose of anticoagulant.
Heparin. If you take heparin, you need to:
Long-term use of heparin is not typically
recommended. It requires one or two injections each day. And long-term use is linked with
osteoporosis.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
Warfarin
Do not take warfarin if you are pregnant. Warfarin can cause miscarriage or birth defects. If you are taking warfarin, talk to your doctor about how you can prevent pregnancy.
If you think you might be pregnant: Call your doctor. If you are pregnant, you will take heparin during your pregnancy.
If you plan on getting pregnant: Talk with your doctor. You and your doctor will decide which medicine you will take—warfarin or heparin—while trying to get pregnant.
Heparin
If you are pregnant: You will take heparin during your pregnancy. Heparin has not been shown to affect the fetus.
For more information, see Pregnancy and the Increased Risk of Developing Blood Clots.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Bonow RO, et al. (2008). 2008 Focused update
incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2006 Guidelines for the management of patients
with valvular heart disease: A report of the American College of
Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines
(Writing committee to revise the 1998 Guidelines for the management of patients
with valvular heart disease). Circulation, 118(15):
e523–e661.
Credits
| By |
Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer |
Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer |
Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology |
| Last Revised |
May 14, 2012 |
